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Wilderness Guide Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

TrailWalker -

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$15.15/hr

Guide and support clients through daily wilderness living and personal growth experiences * Ensure the physical safety and emotional well-being of all group members * Hike up to 10 miles per day ...

Gastroenterologist

Tucson, AZ

$378K/yr

... trails, and wilderness areas. * Known for its cultural diversity, you may appreciate the ... Guided by our Physician Executive Committee, Regional Clinical Governance Boards, and Local Head ...

Wilderness Guide information

See Arizona salary details

$7

$18

$37

How much do wilderness guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for wilderness guide in Arizona is $18.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wilderness guide?

Wilderness Guides are professionals trained to lead individuals or groups safely through natural, undeveloped areas such as forests, mountains, or national parks. They are responsible for planning routes, providing information about local ecology and wildlife, ensuring safety, and sometimes teaching outdoor skills like navigation, camping, and survival techniques. Wilderness Guides help create memorable, educational, and safe outdoor experiences for participants, ranging from day hikes to multi-day expeditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wilderness guide?

To thrive as a Wilderness Guide, you need strong outdoor survival skills, first aid certification, and knowledge of local geography and ecosystems. Familiarity with navigation tools (like GPS, maps, and compasses), wilderness medicine certifications (such as Wilderness First Responder), and outdoor gear are typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and decision-making skills help guide groups safely and create memorable experiences. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safety, managing risks, and providing an informative and enjoyable adventure for clients.

What are some common challenges faced by wilderness guides during multi-day expeditions, and how are they typically managed?

Wilderness Guides often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, navigation through difficult terrain, and managing group dynamics over extended periods. To handle these, guides rely on thorough pre-trip planning, constant monitoring of weather updates, and strong communication skills to ensure group safety and morale. They are trained in first aid and emergency procedures, allowing them to address any medical or safety issues promptly. Adaptability and proactive problem-solving are key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

What is the difference between Wilderness Guide vs Outdoor Educator?

AspectWilderness GuideOutdoor Educator
CertificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, outdoor skills certificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, teaching credentials
Work EnvironmentRemote wilderness areas, guiding outdoor activitiesSchools, camps, outdoor programs
Industry UsageTourism, adventure companies, outdoor recreationEducational institutions, youth programs

Wilderness Guides and Outdoor Educators both work outdoors and often hold similar certifications like Wilderness First Aid. However, Wilderness Guides primarily lead adventure activities in remote areas, focusing on guiding clients safely through wilderness experiences. Outdoor Educators typically work in structured settings like schools or camps, emphasizing teaching outdoor skills and environmental education. While their roles overlap in outdoor environments, their main focus and work settings differ.

What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Guide jobs in Arizona?

For Wilderness Guide jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Wilderness Guide jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Wilderness Guide job openings:

Infographic showing various Wilderness Guide job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,195 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Recreation Guide II - Powell - Wilderness River Adventures

Aramark

Page, AZ

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Aramark rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,268 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

395th of 492 rated business services


Job description

Job Description

The Level II Guide will act as the personal interpreter of cultural, historical, and natural resources while providing support to guests in an outdoor environment. Responsibilities of the position may vary by Aramark location based on client requirements and business needs.

Job Responsibilities

•    Leads guests on organized and educational excursions
•    Greet guests and provide an orientation of all safety and necessary equipment concerns, basic etiquette, area regulations, safety procedures, resource protection
•    Adheres to safety policies and procedures to ensure safety of guests
•    Guides will ensure guide compliance with operations Manual and Contracts
•    Be aware of MSDS sheets books and be able to use this information when necessary
•    Guides should test the communications equipment prior to operation
•    Must be a knowledgeable guide for clients, and provide support and reassurance
•    Guides will be responsible for educating self on the local ecology, geology, history, and culture to be well-prepared to provide information and answer guests' questions.
•    Ability to provide interpretation in a variety of settings
•    Ability to choreograph your tour to educate and engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
•    Adheres to cash handling policies and procedures
•    Ensures security of company assets and a safe work environment through daily maintenance and housekeeping
•    Works in conditions that involve exposure to unusual elements and extreme temperatures
•    Maintains excellent customer service and a positive demeanor towards guests, customers, clients, co-workers, etc.

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

Qualifications

•    Must have some experience guiding in the same or related environment
•    Multi-lingual skills a plus
•    Training in First Aid protocols such as Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness Advanced First Aid, Wilderness EMT or EMT/Paramedic preferred
•    Sit, stand and walk for varied amounts of time
•    Demonstrates interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
•    Must be available to work flexible hours

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Education
About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


What Aramark employees say

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Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Aramark

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food, facilities, and uniform services in 19 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Industry

Hospitality services and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US